Title : Vitamin D status in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: An audit in primary care
Abstract:
Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder with its exact cause being unknown and multifactorial. The pathophysiology involves immune dysregulation and alterations in gut microbiota. Emerging evidence suggests that Vitamin D levels may impact gastrointestinal immune regulation and intestinal barrier integrity, raising questions about its association with IBS (1,2).
bTo evaluate the prevalence of Vitamin D testing and deficiency among patients diagnosed with IBS in a primary care setting.
Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted using electronic patient records from Sangam Surgery. Patients with a documented diagnosis of IBS were identified, and data were collected on whether vitamin D levels had been tested and the results of those tests. Vitamin D levels were categorised as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient based on NICE guideline reference ranges.
Results: A total of 49 patients with IBS were identified. Of these, 35 patients (71%) had undergone serum Vitamin D testing, while 14 patients (29%) had not been tested. Among these, 4 patients (11%) were classified as vitamin D deficient, 8 (23%) as insufficient, and 23 (66%) as sufficient. Overall, 34% of tested patients demonstrated suboptimal vitamin D status.
Conclusion: Suboptimal Vitamin D levels were observed in approximately one-third of tested IBS patients. These findings support emerging evidence suggesting a potential association between Vitamin D status and IBS (1,3). Further research is required to determine whether Vitamin D deficiency contributes to IBS pathophysiology and whether screening or supplementation may have clinical benefit.
